Teenage binge-drinkers earn more money and success later in life: study – New York Post

Report on the Correlation Between Youth Alcohol Consumption and Socio-Economic Outcomes

A Review of Recent Sociological Findings in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A recent longitudinal study conducted in Norway has identified a correlation between heavy alcohol consumption during youth and subsequent socio-economic success. This report analyzes these findings, placing significant emphasis on their complex relationship with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Study Overview and Key Findings

Research Methodology

The research, detailed by Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen of the University of Oslo, involved a comprehensive 18-year study. Key parameters included:

• Monitoring a cohort of over 3,000 Norwegians.
• Tracking participants from the age of 13 to 31.
• Analyzing drinking habits in relation to later life outcomes.

Correlation with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The study found a statistically significant correlation where individuals who engaged in heavy communal drinking in their late teens and early twenties achieved higher levels of both education and income later in life. The proposed explanation is that alcohol acts as a social lubricant, reducing inhibitions and fostering social networks crucial for career advancement. These outcomes appear to align with the objectives of SDG 4, which promotes lifelong learning opportunities, and SDG 8, which focuses on productive employment and economic growth.

Analysis in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Direct Conflict with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Despite the observed correlation with socio-economic success, the study’s implications are in direct opposition to the core targets of SDG 3. Public health officials, such as Linda Granlund of the Norwegian directorate of health, emphasize the detrimental health impacts of alcohol consumption. The public health perspective includes the following points:

• Any level of alcohol consumption can negatively impact health.
• Lower alcohol intake is directly linked to increased life expectancy and a reduced risk of illness.
• The promotion of well-being under SDG 3 necessitates a reduction in harmful alcohol use, a stance contradicted by any perceived benefits of heavy drinking.

Recent data indicating a rise in alcohol consumption among younger generations further complicates the achievement of public health targets aligned with SDG 3.

Considerations for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

The study’s findings raise critical questions regarding socio-economic equality, a central theme of SDG 10. The observed correlation may be influenced by pre-existing inequalities rather than being a direct result of alcohol consumption itself.

1. Socio-Economic Privilege: The ability to afford regular, heavy social drinking, particularly in a country with high alcohol taxes like Norway, may be a marker of pre-existing wealth and social standing. Therefore, the success observed may be attributable to the participants’ privileged backgrounds rather than their drinking habits.
2. Exclusionary Networks: The use of exclusive, all-male social clubs as an example illustrates how such social environments can perpetuate inequalities. These networks may reinforce existing power structures and limit opportunities for those not included, undermining efforts to reduce inequalities as outlined in SDG 10.
3. Social vs. Solitary Consumption: The report clarifies that the correlation is linked exclusively to communal drinking, highlighting the role of social networking. This suggests that the benefits are derived from social capital, which is often distributed unequally across society.

Conclusion

The Norwegian study presents a significant paradox. While heavy communal drinking in youth is correlated with outcomes related to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this behavior directly undermines the fundamental public health objectives of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, the context of this behavior suggests it may be a reflection of, and a contributor to, existing socio-economic disparities, posing a challenge to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). A sustainable approach to development requires fostering social and economic opportunities that do not compromise public health or exacerbate societal inequalities.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article directly engages with SDG 3 by discussing the consumption of alcohol and its effects. While the central study suggests a correlation between heavy drinking and success, the article also presents a strong counter-argument from a public health perspective. Linda Granlund, director of public health, explicitly warns that consuming alcohol “could negatively impact people’s health” and that “Lower intake means higher life expectancy and lower risk of illness.” This highlights the tension between social behaviors and public health outcomes, which is a core concern of SDG 3.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The article connects social habits to educational attainment, a key component of SDG 4. The research cited found that individuals who engaged in heavy drinking in their youth “boasted higher levels of education” compared to their abstinent peers. This directly links the article’s subject matter to educational outcomes, making SDG 4 relevant to the discussion.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • SDG 8 is addressed through the article’s primary thesis, which links youth drinking habits to future economic success. The study’s findings suggest that heavy drinking helps in “advancing the liquor-loving’s careers faster” and leads to “higher levels of… income.” This connects the social behavior discussed to key economic indicators like career progression and income, which are central to the goals of SDG 8.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

   • The entire article revolves around the “harmful use of alcohol,” specifically “binge drinking” and “heavy boozing” during youth. The public health warning from Linda Granlund, who recommends that “heavy and light drinkers scale back their alcohol intake,” directly supports the prevention aspect of this target. The mention that Gen Z is “increasing their alcohol consumption” further underscores the relevance of addressing and preventing the harmful use of alcohol.

2. Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

   • While the article’s proposed method is controversial, its conclusion points directly to this target. The study claims that the social skills gained through “communal drinking” lead to “higher levels of education” and faster career advancement. This implies that the social adeptness, which the study attributes to drinking, is a “relevant skill” for employment and achieving success, thereby connecting to the objective of Target 4.4.

3. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.

   • The article’s core argument that early heavy drinking correlates with “higher levels of… income” and helps “advance… careers faster” is directly related to the economic outcomes described in Target 8.5. The study positions this behavior as a factor in achieving greater economic success and better employment, which are central themes of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 3.5: (Implied) Alcohol per capita consumption.

   • The official SDG indicator is 3.5.2: “Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption.” The article implies this indicator by discussing different levels of alcohol use, such as “binge drinking,” “heavy boozing,” “minimal boozing,” and “abstinence.” The study itself involved “monitoring the drinking habits of more than 3,000 Norwegians,” and the article notes a trend where Gen Z is “increasing their alcohol consumption.” These are all measures related to alcohol consumption levels within a population.

2. Indicator for Target 4.4: (Implied) Educational attainment levels.

   • The article does not cite a formal SDG indicator, but it uses educational attainment as a key metric for success. The study’s finding that heavy drinkers “boasted higher levels of education” uses the level of education achieved as a direct measure. This serves as an implied indicator to track progress related to skills and qualifications for employment.

3. Indicator for Target 8.5: (Implied) Income levels.

   • Similar to education, the article uses income as a primary measure of career success. The research found a correlation between heavy drinking and “higher levels of… income.” This measurement of income is an implied indicator for tracking economic well-being and progress towards the goals of decent work and economic growth.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nypost.com